How can we inspire children to care for rivers? In Ukraine, an interactive online marathon showed that curiosity, creativity and hands-on exploration can help build a lasting connection with nature.
Organised as part of the Danube Day 2026 celebrations, 7 Days in the Life of a River brought together 58 children aged seven to 14, from 17 regions across Ukraine.
Over seven days, participants completed a series of interactive challenges designed to deepen their understanding of river ecosystems. They observed plants and wildlife along riverbanks, explored aquatic biodiversity, learned about otters and their habitats through dance, investigated human pressures on rivers, created nature-inspired artwork and shared personal commitments to protect freshwater ecosystems.
The children successfully completed all seven challenges and received personalised certificates and environmentally friendly prizes during local award ceremonies.
A practical guide documenting the methodology behind the initiative is available in Ukrainian. It enables schools, environmental organisations and local authorities to organise similar events, making it easier to engage young people in river conservation and environmental education in other regions and countries.
By combining science, creativity and outdoor discovery, the marathon helped young people better understand the importance of healthy rivers while encouraging them to become active stewards of their local environment.
The marathon was financed by the European Union through the EU4Green Recovery East programme and supported by the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, the State Agency of Water Resources of Ukraine, WWF-Ukraine and the Transcarpathian Regional Organisation of the All-Ukrainian Ecological League.
Credit picture / design: Kateryna Surai
